New observatory dome at Cranbrook Institute of Science

Total renovation of Institute to be finished by September

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. – An old dome at the Cranbrook Institute of Science in West Bloomfield will be removed to make way for a new one Thursday morning.

The new observatory dome will be put in place by a crane onto the Eliel Saarinen building which houses the observatory at Cranbrook, a press release stated.

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The new dome was constructed nearby and will be lifted into place.

According to a release from the school, the new dome is part of a total renovation of the astronomy infrastructure that started with upgrades to the planetarium at the institute last year.

Improvements include three new telescopes, architectural changes in the viewing space, a new dome, and compatibility with the planetarium to create an experience unparalleled anywhere in the Midwest.

The new facilities will be completed in early September.

Cranbrook Institute of Science is located at 39221 Woodward Avenue in Bloomfield Hills. For more information on hours and prices click here.